I couldn't read very much of this before my e-arc timed out on me.

Welcome to the Writer's Life
by Paulette Perhach

This book is a good starting point for anyone who has always thought about pursuing a creative career as a writer but isn't sure where to begin. Perhach focuses on the Writing Business, Writing Practice, and Reading Practice as the pillars on which to focus building in order to have a successful and balanced creative life. What I greatly appreciate about Perhach's book is that she is avoids getting too technical (this is an introduction to the lifestyle, not a craft book) and that she is very clear-eyed in her assessment of what the writer's life looks like and the challenges that it can present. This is definitely a book that I'll be recommending in my writing group.

This book was such a helpful writer's guide! It was full of useful industry and craft information! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy for review. Full review on blog.

Quite a brief, but useful guide for anyone thinking of taking their writing up a notch and submitting pieces. Lots of sensible advice.

This is a good introduction to writing and everything that comes with being a writer. I think if you’ve read other books on the topic, this one may just be reiterating the same information.

I only got to read the first 1/3 of this - when I was first approved it didn't have an archive date, so it must have been added later without warning, which is a shame as it meant I missed the chance to finish it. What I read was perfectly enjoyable though. As a published writer I didn't find it super useful, but it would have been great back before I had a book out. The visuals are lovely and the advice very supportive. I'd recommend this (at least the part I read).

A pretty good book. Read it and take what your find useful from it. I was expecting more humor, but maybe that was just me.

I couldn't really get along with this book. Apart from it being quite choppy and containing much that didn't interest me, the layout is a bit messy with lumps of text in no particular order and all mixed up. This for too time-consuming to try and work out. However, I won't give a low rating to a book I didn't even finish reading.

This... seriously reads like the literary therapy session that every writer needs at SOME point in their process. I was lucky enough to get a free copy at just the right time in my own process and I’ll forever be grateful! Just like going to reading gives you, a writer, perspective on the reality of the trade and, hopefully, inspiration to KEEP WRITING no matter what because even the most successful authors were in your shoes once (which is one piece of advice given in the book; as part of finding your community, go be in the world of writing!), this book is full of the most supportive nuggets of hope that I’d strongly advise anyone who is stuck or feeling particularly pessimistic, to just grab a copy and sit with it for a few days, then get your butt back in the chair and make your art.

Author, Joanne Harris, recently tweeted, “How to be a Writer – Open laptop; See words; Type words; Wonder why such bad words…Back to bed.” Like Harris, Perhach reminds us that writing is not an easy process, and being a successful writer is even less easy. This book at first seems like it might be a memoir. In a warm, easy-going, relatable style she talks about her circuitous route to becoming a writer. Aspiring and experienced writers alike will find the author’s voice is supportive and reassuring, and her practical advice, extremely useful.

A very informative book about writing! As an aspiring author, I found this book to be a very helpful read! I will definitely be utilizing some of the things I read in the future.

This book had a lot of information. Some of it was a little overwhelming to me. It was more complicated than I anticipated.

This was a lovely introduction to "the Writer's Life" with a great mix between real advice, useful experiences and mini exercises to get the juices flowing. Perhach is great at releasing some of the tension beginning authors feel by sharing her own experiences and own self doubts. Am I authorly enough, am I working hard enough, producing enough, etc. Although I usually don't follow a lot of the advice I'm given (I know, character flaw) I found most of the advice in Welcome to the Writer's Life really useful and the mini exercises shared by Perhach were also informative. I'd definitely recommend this to those readers and writers who are looking for a little bit of help!

Writing is a solitary profession, since you spend much of your time staring at a computer screen or notebook. This book may make you feel less alone. Filled with practical advice, encouragement, and how-to steps to establish your life and living as a writer.

You are looking about 290 pages within six chapters. a book that seems to aim to help those reading it to be a writer. It is not totally ground breaking if you have read other writing books. Helps you through the writing process. You do get exercises and some quotes from authors. it is personable with the information. It is like you are in a writing introduction class.

This is a great reference book for people considering their contribution to the craft. New writers and intermediate writers who need a refresher on the business can use this book as a resource. I appreciated some of the book suggestions because I'm always looking for recommendations. The book was well organized. The author's witty personality showed through in this book, keeping me interested in reading until the end.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Having just written my first novel, this book is great for helping me with my revisions. This is a great book for a new writer like myself. Thanks, NetGalley for the book.

Great writing tips for beginners, and motivation for those who need that extra nudge or confidence boost. I was hoping for a 100% how-to without the motivational parts.

Definitely an excellent read for anyone aspiring to be a writer. The author crafts an superb narrative on her advice and motivation for a new writer. There are tips for setting a writing schedule, even for those with busy schedules. I did enjoy the book despite never having any inclination towards writing. I believe this might be loved even more by someone with acting dreams. Although I do believe many of the practices can be adopted for practices other than writing.

I was provided a copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review

I became familiar with Paulette Perhach's writing when she wrote the now famous Bleep It Fund (I'm changing it for family audiences) essay for Billfold. I knew whatever book she would write, I would read it. What made it even better: her first book is a writing book.
It's a lovely starter's kit on what to expect in the writing world these days. Perhach shares how serving in the Peace Corps made her become a writer. She then shares how she got work done while working a 9to5 job, and how we can do it as well. It also has plenty of quotes from writers Jess Walters and others that provide a balm on bad writing days. Step by step, she shows how it's possible to write every day, write every day, write every day. It's a blessing of a book.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy.